Getting a Green Card is an important step, but many permanent residents want to become U.S. citizens. Citizenship gives you the right to vote, apply for a U.S. passport, and access more opportunities. There are specific rules and timelines you must meet before applying.

Most Green Card holders can apply for naturalization after five years of permanent residency. If you are married to a U.S. citizen and have lived with your spouse for three years, you may apply after three years. For those who received their Green Card through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the same rules apply: three years if married to a U.S. citizen, or five years if not, provided all other requirements are met. Applicants must show continuous residence, be at least 18 years old, have good moral character, and demonstrate basic knowledge of English and U.S. civics.

Some applicants may qualify for exceptions. Military service can speed up naturalization, and applicants with disabilities can request accommodations. VAWA-based applicants should pay special attention to privacy and safety concerns during the process.

The process requires submitting Form N-400, attending a biometrics appointment, completing an interview, and passing the citizenship test. Please note that the citizenship test was recently updated under the Trump Administration, now requiring knowledge of 128 possible civics exam questions, where 12 out of 20 must be answered correctly.  Once approved, applicants attend a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance.

If you are a Green Card holder or received your residency through VAWA, our team can guide you through every step of the naturalization process. Call us at 703-348-1663 to schedule a consultation and check your eligibility.

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